Aromatic Brown Basmati Rice With Indian Spices

Adding a touch of spice to Basmati rice adds a little something extra to Indian dishes. Most restaurants and indeed most Indian chefs I know serve white rice with their meals. I prefer the health benefits of whole grains, so I go for brown or red rice every time. Preparation of this versatile side dish is simplicity itself.  
 
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Fragrant Brown Basmati Rice With Indian Spices

Adding a touch of spice to Basmati rice adds a little something extra to Indian dishes. This side dish is simplicity itself. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time47 minutes
Total Time52 minutes
Course: Quick & Easy, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Basmati, rice, vegan
Servings: 9 1/2 cup servings
Calories: 117kcal

Ingredients

Stovetop Method:

  • 1 1/2 cups brown Basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed in cold water
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1 medium bay leaf
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 3 green cardamom pods

Instant Pot Method:

  • 1 1/2 cups brown Basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed in cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 1 medium bay leaf
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 3 green cardamom pods

Instructions

  • Rinse rice and transfer to a medium saucepan.
  • Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and water.
  • Cover and bring to a boil at medium-high heat. This should take about seven minutes.
  • When the water has reached a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover again and steep for 40 minutes.
  • Uncover, and test to see if the water has been absorbed by the rice*. You can do this by pushing a little aside with a fork to see if any water is pooling at the bottom of the pan.
  • Fish out the bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardomom pods. Discard.
  • Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. 
  • Cover and allow to rest for ten minutes more. Fluff again and serve hot.

Instant Pot Method:

  • Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  • Set Instant Pot on manual, high, 15 minutes, natural release. Remove spices.
  •  Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

*If the rice still has liquid, cover and continue cooking another ten minutes. 
 
 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Below are the equipment and products I used in this recipe. Click on the photo to order yours through my affiliate link with Amazon.com, for which I receive a small advertising fee. Please visit my Store for more information.

All-Clad 5-Ply Stainless Cookware

This is a good basic set that will serve most of your needs.

 

Lundberg Organic Brown Basmati Rice

 
 

Pride of India Organic Bay Leaf

Swad Green Cardamom Pods